Accounting Assistant

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about
** Department:
** Research Administration Operations
** Time Type:
** Full time
** Job Type:
** Regular
* * FLSA Status:
** Non-Exempt
** Work Modality:
** Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
** Union:
** Excluded
*
* Job Description:

***
* Summary:

** The Accounting Assistant position serves as accounting and administrative support for the Controller's Office
-Grants & Contracts Accounting (GCA) Team. This position is responsible for assisting the GCA office of senior and staff accountants with day-to-day operations while also performing tasks such as (but not limited to): entering, updating, and/or retrieving accounting data from the financial system, ensuring award setup is processed electronically, preparing journal entries and financial position reports for cash transactions, and monitoring incoming and outgoing verbal and written communication.

The Assistant provides general administrative support as required.
*
* Essential Functions:

*** Oversees the allocation of externally funded awards cash payments by managing incoming cash payments and reviews ledger accounts to ensure accuracy. Review and reconcile the departments holding account and prepare the necessary corrections. Feedback is provided by the Accounting Manager and Accounting staff.
* Develops and maintains templated responses for general email questions to ensure consistency in communications. Respond to incoming emails within defined time frames. Organize, archive, and categorize emails for ease of reference and record keeping. Feedback is provided by accounting staff as well as the Accounting Manager and/or Director.
* Assist accounting staff with post-award financial management for their portfolio by assigning new project account numbers, establishing award file folders on the network drive, etc. Conduct a preliminary review of incoming cost transfers to ensure completion in accordance with AU policy and procedure.
* Provides general administrative support, including answering phones, greeting/assisting visitors, preparation of documents and reports, scheduling meetings, compiling records, coordinating calendars, and organizing and maintaining information. This requires the ability to interpret and communicate information, ideas, and instructions accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing, including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions;

typically work with minimal supervision on complex assignments, conferring with the Accounting Manager on unusual matters.
* Review and reconcile posted general journal entries by verifying that supporting documentation is housed in the appropriate record-keeping location. Work is reviewed and approved by the Accounting Manager or Director.
*
* Competencies:

*** Serving Customers.
* Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
* Prioritizing and Organizing.
** Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
*** Full-time.
* 35 hours per week.
** Salary Range:*** $23.21 - $28.43 per hour.
** Required

Education and Experience:

*** Associate's degree or equivalent in accounting or related business field that includes accounting coursework.
* 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.
* Minimum of 2 year of relevant general office support.
* Minimum of 1 year of relevant accounting experience.
** Preferred

Education and Experience:

*** Associate's degree.
** Additional Eligibility

Qualifications:

*** Skill using Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to develop briefings, presentations, and reports and to conduct analysis.
* Excellent communication skills.
* Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
* Knowledge of fiscal management/ accounting software applications.
* Ability to enter, maintain, and compile accounting, budgetary, fiscal, labor/ payroll and leave data.
* Must understand accounting principles such as debits, credits, revenue, and cash transactions.
* Must manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, set goals, and develop systems for achieving those goals.
** Other Duties:
*** Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties,…